TUI Stops Tours to Cyprus Ghost Town, Sparks Outrage

TUI has announced it will cease offering day trips to the Turkish-controlled northern part of Cyprus from the end of August, a decision that has ignited significant backlash from the Turkish Cypriot community. The trips, which included visits to a once-popular seaside town now known as a "ghost town," have been a point of contention amid the long-standing division between the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish Cypriot north. The decision follows an agreement between TUI and the Cyprus government, which has been accused by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar of employing a "blockade policy" against the northern tourism sector. Tatar criticized the Greek Cypriot leadership for allegedly pressuring tour operators to halt excursions, claiming this move is aimed at undermining the Turkish Cypriot economy and restricting access for tourists, including those from the European Union. The abandoned town, once a vibrant destination for European elites, has gained popularity among "dark tourism" enthusiasts since its reopening in 2021. Visitors are drawn to its haunting atmosphere, characterized by decaying structures and a sense of historical loss, reflecting the unresolved tensions of a divided nation. As the situation unfolds, the Turkish Cypriot community continues to voice its discontent, highlighting the broader implications of TUI's decision on tourism and inter-community relations in Cyprus.